By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and other maritime economic crimes in Delta State, intercepting two wooden boats and a tugboat in separate operations that led to the recovery of approximately 140,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products.
The operations, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA under Operation DELTA SENTINEL on October 26 and 28, also resulted in the interception of about 120,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, and the discovery of a dugout reservoir containing 20,000 litres of suspected crude oil.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the first operation was carried out at Aruton Creek on October 26, where naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat carrying approximately 40,000 litres of AGO.
On the same day, naval personnel operating around the Oteghele general area uncovered a dugout reservoir containing an estimated 20,000 litres of suspected crude oil.
In a separate operation at Ijala Creek on October 28, the Navy intercepted another wooden boat carrying approximately 80,000 litres of AGO while it was discharging the product into a tugboat.
The statement disclosed that the crews of both vessels abandoned the boats and fled upon sighting the naval gunboats. The naval personnel subsequently secured the vessels and took them into custody.
The Navy said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining maritime surveillance and operational activities to protect Nigeria’s critical maritime infrastructure and economic assets.
